The DeSmet leader. (DeSmet, Kingsbury Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-04-09
+. THOMAS, Adjntant.


But now a new actor came forward
on the polictical stage in central Illi-
nois; or rather, an old favorite reap
peared. This was Abraham Lincoln.
Since his return to Springfield from
his single term OF service in congress,
lSl7 to ls40, though by no means en-
tirely withdrawn from politics, his act
i've work had been greatly diminished.
His congressional life had largely in
creased the horizon Of his observation.
Perhaps it had also extended the
bounds of his ambition. lie had doubt
less discovered many Of his own de-
fects, and not unlikely had diligently
sought to remedy them. The period
following had for him been years Of
work, study, and reflection. His pro-
fession of law had become deeper
science and higher responsibility
His practice, receiving his individual
attention, brought him more remuner-
ative cases. Losing nothing of his
genial humor, his character took on the
dignity of graver manhood. lie was
still the center and the idol of every
social group he encountered. whether
on the street or in the parlor. Serene
and buyant of temper, cordial and win
ming Of language, charitable and toler-
ant Of opinion, his very presence diff
fused a glow of confidence and
kindness. Wherever he went he left
an overwhelming ripple Of smiles, jests,
and laughter. His radiant good fellow
ship was beloved and sought alike by
political opponents and partisan
friends. His sturdy and delicate integ-
rity, recognized far and wide, had long
Since won him the blunt but hearty
sobriquet of Honest Old Abe" But
il became noticeable that of late years
he was less among the crowd and more
in the solitude of his Office or study,
and that he seemed ever in haste IN
leave the eager circle he was entertain
ing.
1t was in the midsummer of 1854 that
We find him reappearing on the stump
i'm central Illinois. The rural popula-
ton always welcomed his oratory, made
up Of ready wit, apt illustration, simple
statement, forcible logic. His diction
was familiar to the ear, his stories were
racy of the soil. He never lacked for
invitations to address the public. His
first speeches on the new and all-ob-
sorbing topic were made in the neigh
boring towns, and In the counties ad-
joining his own. Towards the end OF
August the candidates for congress In
that district were, in Western phrase,
ION the track" Yates. afterwards
one Of the famous ''war governors, y
Sought reelection as a Whig. Harris
as a Douglas Democrat strove to sup
plant him. Local politics became act
i've, and Lincoln was sent for in al
directions to address the people. When
he went, however, he distinctly an.
n0unced that he did not purpose t.
take up his time with this personal and
congressional controversy. His inten-
tion was to discuss the principles OF the
Nebraska bill.
Once launched upon this theme Mer
were surprised to find him imbued will
a new and unwonted seriousness. They
heard from his lips fewer anecdotes
and more history. Careless listener
who came to laugh at his jokes sal
spell bound by the strong current o.
his reasoning and flashes of his earnes
eloauence. and were lifted up by th'
range and tenor of OF his argument
mosphere. Nicolay and Hay, in IN
Apii Century.